By Benjamin Lyngdoh
In understanding pressure groups one cannot help but have a negative feeling. This is to some extent flawed as pressure groups are mandated to take up good works for the benefit of society. The inherent nature of pressure is to force those in positions of power to act for the progress and well-being of all, across economic, social and cultural needs. On the contrary, with every passing day the functioning of pressure groups has taken a negative turn on account of being insensitive to the suffering of the masses. They are increasingly seen as being hurdles to development rather than responsible partners. They normally lose sight of the big picture. This is the inference on them. On the other hand, Meghalaya has a government with no conviction to deal with the pressure groups, be it in terms of dialogue or action. Increasingly the stand of MDA 2.0 can be classified as placating of aggression. There is no one to take them on and the common man is held to ransom.
It would be far-fetched to say that the pressure groups run like a parallel government. That point has not been reached. But it would be plausible to say that the pressure groups hang like a Damocles sword over the government. One move against their wishes and the government would have to deal with a law and order problem. Safety and security would be compromised. Their main strategy is to use fear as a weapon. This strategy has worked so well that they can pick and choose on what issue to speak on and on what to be as silent as the grave. For example, that illegal coal mining is rampant is common knowledge, but not to the pressure groups. They are silent on it despite its harmful impacts on the environment and possible loss of lives. Any thinking person would realise that such illegality could not have been possible without the involvement and collusion of many. With the pressure groups remaining silent does it mean that they are privy to the processes and thereby equally complicit? Is something going on under the table? The much talked about railways has become a sentimental issue. It touches the heart but apparently not the brain. The ‘jaitbynriew’ is equated with railways as if it is a poison and that death would befall. In any case, in due course of time the common man will die of inflation and shortage of food. Yet still, the government will placate the pressure groups to no end.
In times where unemployment is rife, everyone is talking about the importance of skills so as to engage in meaningful occupations. Entrepreneurship and small business is the buzz-word on many lips. There are many motivational speakers and trainers who motivate the youth on these lines. This is fine. In addition, there are many pressure groups who themselves hold felicitation programmes for students who do well in various school and college examinations. This is also commendable. In one such event, the students were exhorted ‘to continue to work hard and do well and work on their skills to stand on their own two feet’. The importance is laid on soft infrastructure. But here lies the problem, soft infrastructure is incomplete and meaningless without hard infrastructure. It is like a computer. The software is of no use without the hardware. What is the point of the youth being well trained with capabilities for self-employment and growth without the backing of roads, railways, airports, special economic zones, manufacturing/service hubs, etc? Where will they work? Where will they be absorbed? Where will economic vibrancy come from? These things may be too much for the pressure groups to fathom; but, this should not be so for the government. It is obvious that the government is aware of how to get the economy going in effective mode, but this is always held to ransom by the fear strategy of the pressure groups. Will the government show some courage to start reversing the trend? This placating is turning into chronic cancer.
Almost all the pressure groups in Meghalaya are student-based. However, they do nothing nor do they say anything about the pathetic condition of education. They will make cries about shortage of CUET examination centres, appointments of non-tribals, etc but nothing on the collapsing state of school infrastructure in the rural areas. There is no pressure from their side on how to make school education better in terms of syllabi and extra-curricular activities.
Drugs are a serious problem now. Are any initiatives taken by the pressure groups to this end? Many of those who fall victim to drugs are students. It is found that many pharmacies in Shillong (Polo area) sell syringes to any youth who comes asking for it on one pretext or the other. Why not raise voice on these issues? Inflation has sky-rocketed to the point that many eatables are beyond reach for the common man. It is a wonder if any of the pressure group leaders do meat/vegetable marketing. If they do so they would come to know of the ground realities and then maybe stop being insensitive to the real and burning issues. It would be good if the pressure groups retreat and revisit on their vision and missions. Re-evaluate and reassess. It is high time that they reposition themselves and start tackling the issues that matter. Then see and enjoy the support and backing of the masses.
All said and done, the starting point of change lies with Meghalaya’s politics. This placating (be it in cash or in kind) of the pressure groups has to stop. Look at the bigger picture and realise the bigger problems. Meghalaya cannot afford to be cut-off from the national mainstream. It will be death in isolation. Our youth will have nowhere to turn to and they would blame this generation of leaders and teachers for being irresponsible and short-sighted. For example, UDP supported the call of pressure groups to oppose railways by giving its own justification. Enough is enough. This is vote bank politics of the worst kind. It is politics of convenience and all political parties indulge in it. This convenience is the reason for backwardness of Meghalaya across education, health, employment, economy, etc. Taking a cue from job reservation policy, perhaps an expert committee is required to study the functionality of pressure groups and their recognition. The mushroom pressure groups may not be recognised as they are just a nuisance. On the other hand, the placating has to stop or maybe and if seen fit the Hon’ble High Court may step in and assess the government machinery in relation to pressure groups. Then all skeletons (known and unknown) will come out of the closet.
In the end, today the transaction cost of doing business in Meghalaya is too high. The pressure groups hold too much bargaining power. They hold all the cards. As a result, project implementation suffers and the political class has no will to cure the rot. All they do is placate at the cost of the common man! (The writer teaches at NEHU; Email – [email protected])